Bored Betta?

[pjadams49417]

This guy is so much fun. I think he's happy (lots of bubbles), and I almost think he's in love with me. LOL!

He just hangs around the bowl unless I walk up close to it. Then he hustles over the the spot nearest me and starts weaving back and forth excitedly, until I put in a bit of food. Then he stalks it and snatches it. But as long as I am there he keeps repeating the "weaving" back and forth and will eat every time I drop in food. I think he must be bored.

Is there anything I can put in the bowl that will serve as a toy - to entertain him?

[andreannestvincent]

What size of bowl is he in? A beta shouldn't be kept in anything smaller than a 3 gallon container. I have a beta that's in a 10 gallon tank with an upside down cat fish soon it's going to be 2 upside down catfish and 2 dwarf frogs. Beta's like to have company of other fishes. They don't get along with members of there own specie but they do get along with some different species of fish. I'm not sure which ones but it's worth taking a look. Also betas need a heater, and filter to be happiest.

[Cody]

Originally Posted by andreannestvincent

Beta's like to have company of other fishes.

I'm going to have to disagree with that. Many places claim that bettas should only be kept by themselves or in a tank with dividers. They really do not make good community fish.

As to the question...
What you are seeing is very common in a lot of "pet" bettas, and other fish who love to eat as well. Heck, my Clownfish is the biggest begger ever. He knows that you are the food supplier. If you check on him a bit more during the day and only feed him when your should, he should eventually stop the weaving. Or, it just means he wants to see what your doing.
You could also add a few more decorations/plants, or switch up the places of decor of what you have. Even varying his diet, giving himself the chance to look in a mirror for a few minutes every week or so would do something IMO.

Good luck.

[tmz]

put a clean ping pong ball in his water. he can attack/move it around.

i got my female betta "floating decor" (as it says on the package XD) to mess around with. it's this glass orb with a string and some kind of cute glass sea creature that kind bobs around. you can get them at petco. she seems to enjoy it.

[dramaqueen]

Bettas are really solitary fish and, IMO, are better off living by themselves, but some do ok with tankmates. It just depends on the personality of the betta.

[pjadams49417]

THANKYOU so much! Lots of good responses!

I see good advice in each one. I think I'm going to go with the toy. If it's not too expensive I'll buy the glass one because it's so pretty, but might just go with the ping pong ball. I can't wait to see how he reacts.

[dramaqueen]

It would be fun to see if he "attacks " it and flares at it. :)

[pjadams49417]

I can't wait! LOL!

[dramaqueen]

Bettas are such fun fish anyway and have so much personality.

[Guppy Girl]

My bettas hate being alone, I hav two, and I switch them back and forth in my tank. They love being with my other fish. =)